Is a TEFL course worth it? Yes – and here's why…

If you’re one of the many people looking to pursue a career teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), you may be wondering if it’s worth it.

Does TEFL pay a good salary? Is it rewarding? What kind of opportunities does it open up? There are so many questions that it’s understandable to have doubts about becoming an English teacher abroad.

Is a TEFL course worth it? 

Absolutely!

Becoming a TEFL teacher is something that many people of all ages and backgrounds decide to do. It can open you up to a new world, unlocking new opportunities and giving you a whole host of new experiences.

You’ll develop skills and abilities you never knew you had, discover new cultures and make new friends. You also get to empower people, by teaching them a skill that can change their lives. 

And all this, while having the adventure of a lifetime!

In short, teaching English as a foreign language is not only worth it…  it’s an amazing career path that more people should experience.

Is a TEFL course difficult?

It’s not just for anyone. You’ll need to be dedicated and serious about becoming a TEFL teacher. The best TEFL courses strike the right balance between being challenging and fun, giving you the tools you need to be confident in the classroom and inspiring you to find your own style.

You won’t just be stuck inside a class, though. The beauty of studying a TEFL course abroad is that your studying is offset by discovering a new culture in an exotic place. 

Do you need a degree to take a TEFL course?

No, you don’t need to possess a degree to enrol on a TEFL course. Having said that, you will need to demonstrate a certain level of academic proficiency before being accepted. 

Every course is different, with its own specific entry requirements. So, make sure you put in the research and understand what’s expected of you before you apply.

Do you need to be a native speaker to take a TEFL course?

Not necessarily. While you’ll certainly need to show that you have an excellent level of English, you don’t need to be a native English speaker to take a TEFL course at a top language academy.

You will need to demonstrate a high level of English by completing an English proficiency test. And many non-English speakers take TEFL courses, going on to become excellent English teachers.

Is a TEFL course expensive? 

The average in-person TEFL course at a quality language academy ranges between €1,500 to €2,000. Obviously, this depends on a lot of factors, including the location of the school, accreditation of the course, etc.

You will find many online TEFL courses offering certificates for cheap rates. Be very wary of these, as they are often worthless.

Where’s a good place to do a TEFL course?

Travelling abroad to study to be a TEFL is a great idea. You can immerse yourself in another culture while learning the ropes at a native-English TEFL academy. There are plenty of great locations throughout Europe.

The best country to do a TEFL course is Spain. With a growing focus on learning English, TEFL teachers are increasingly in demand. In the big cities, like Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, you’ll have a good option of language academies, plus lots of employment opportunities once you’ve passed your course.

At TEFL Iberia in Barcelona, we train people from all around the world to become professional English teachers. From first-time teachers to those looking to hone their craft in the classroom, we help people gain internationally recognised certifications, preparing them for a rewarding career teaching English as a foreign language. 

Reach out to our team at TEFL Iberia by emailing coordination@tefl-iberia.com or visit www.tefl-iberia.com to find out more.